Abstract

Background:
The histological evaluation of colon tissues offers valuable information for assessing the health and disease process in the intestine of camels. Currently, colon samples are routinely collected during postmortem examination, whereas antemortem sampling is not a common practice. Colonoscopy-guided colon biopsy can be used as a minimally invasive alternative. However, preclinical validation of the technique is essential before clinical translation.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of colonoscopy-guided biopsy and microscopically assess the quality of the collected tissue.

Methods:
Colon biopsies (n = 8) were obtained by colonoscopy using intestinal samples collected from the abattoir. A blunt uterine biopsy punch was used to grasp the tissue. The collected tissues were fixed in formalin and processed in paraffin. Sections were then cut and stained with H&E for histological architecture evaluation.

Results:
Endoscopy provided clear visualization of the colon lumen and enabled appropriate tissue collection. The procedure was performed quickly and easily, and no evidence of full intestinal perforation was found in any samples. The quality of the histological sections was good, allowing a satisfactory assessment of the mucosal and submucosal layers.

Conclusion:
Colonoscopy-guided colon biopsy is feasible in practice and a promising clinical technique for live camels.

Key words: Camel; Colonoscopy; Colon; Endoscope; Diagnostics.